Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament on Wednesday (March 26) about several key measures taken to improve crowd management at railway stations. These include wider foot-over bridges, CCTV surveillance, and the establishment of war rooms.
Limited Entry Control System Implemented
To manage heavy crowds during festivals and fairs, the Indian Railways has introduced a limited entry control system. Under this system, holding areas have been created outside stations where passengers will be allowed entry only when their train arrives at the platform.
Permanent Holding Areas to Be Set Up at 60 Stations
According to the Railway Minister, holding areas were set up in Surat, Udhna, Patna, and New Delhi during the 2024 festive season. A similar system was implemented at nine stations in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh. Based on these experiences, permanent waiting areas will now be created at 60 stations across the country.
Entry Only for Confirmed Ticket Holders at 60 Stations
Complete entry control will be enforced at these 60 stations. Only passengers with confirmed reserved tickets will be allowed to access the platform, while those with waiting list tickets or no tickets will have to stay in the designated waiting areas outside. Unauthorized entry points will also be sealed.
Increased CCTV Surveillance for Security
To enhance security, new foot-over bridges (FOBs) of 12 meters and 6 meters in width will be constructed to help manage crowds effectively. Additionally, the number of CCTV cameras will be increased at all major stations for improved monitoring.
War Rooms to Be Set Up at Major Stations
War rooms will be established at large railway stations, where officials from various departments will coordinate operations during high-crowd situations. These stations will also be equipped with walkie-talkies, announcement systems, and digital communication devices.
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New Uniforms and ID Cards for Railway Staff
Railway employees will be issued new uniforms and ID cards to ensure that only authorized personnel can access station premises. Additionally, Station Directors will be appointed at key stations with financial authority to make immediate decisions.
Station Directors to Control Ticket Sales
Station Directors will have the authority to regulate ticket sales based on station capacity and available trains. To ensure security, Government Railway Police (GRP), local police, and civil administration will also be involved.
Platform Tickets to Be Issued Only in Special Cases
Following a recent stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, zonal railway authorities have been given the power to control the sale of platform tickets. However, platform tickets will still be issued in special cases, such as for assisting elderly, illiterate, and female passengers.